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Simple question: Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest stories we have. Is it good? Is it worth reading today? Or is just just preserved for history's sake? Ac
by barbariangrunge 4y ago
Simple question: Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest stories we have. Is it good? Is it worth reading today? Or is just just preserved for history's sake? Actually curious
- wl 4y agoI rather like it. In particular, I'd recommend Benjamin Foster's translation as one that is based off of an up-to-date critical text and is very faithful to the original language (or so I've been told). Caveats: * There are still gaps in the text. You're going to have to fill in the blanks in places. * The story is from a distant cultural context that feels alien in a way that Greek stories don't.
- goto11 4y agoDepends on what you like I guess? But if you like ancient epics it is great. Monsters, friendship, sex, death, a search for immortality etc. Be aware that is is only partially preserved, so there is a lot of missing passages in the text which may make it a jumpy and somewhat confusing read compared to say Homer.